About Us

Corinne Scalzitti, DMD, MAGD
Enamel Erosion Rehabiitation
3900 RR 620 South
Austin, Texas 78738
(512) 263-3330

Affordable Financing Choice
Click to Apply

Reconstructive Makeover Dentistry

Tooth Enamel Acid Erosion

Enamel Erosion is a dental condition or result that has a seemingly infinite number of causes.

Mountain Dew addiction

The actual "process" of enamel breakdown is essentially similar. Basic chemistry and molecular principles that operate in the "enamel environment" become disturbed.... unbalanced. Most of us practice the basic interventions for correcting these inbalances on a daily basis.

Key Variable: Saliva

Brushing out teeth after each meal (not too soon), brushing in the morning when we get up.... and before we go to bed. Basic teeth brushing serves to remove food particles and flush the oral cavity, which stimulates saliva production.

Soft Drink Enamel Acids

When saliva production and it's presence is not routinely overwhelmed with highly acidic foods, tooth enamel can endure a lifetime, given routine dental care. Since tooth structures and enamel are not self-regenerating... any perceived changes in saliva production (the experience of dry mouth) should not be overlooked or disregarded.

Acidity Environments

Highly acidic conditions in the oral cavity occur for two reasons, encompassing a variety of causes:

Basic Erosion

Excess consumption of acidic foods

Soft Drinks (soda pop)
Sports Beverages
Energy Drinks
Energy Bars
Sugared candies
Sour candy
Lime - Lemon sucking (citrus fruits)
Processed snacks with high sugar content
Coffee and tea beverages flavored with sugar

Xerostomia - Reduced levels saliva (also known as dry mouth)

Feature of an existing syndrome (e.g., Sjogren's Syndrome)
Diabetic medications
Post chemotherapy medications
Congenital Xerostomia
Amphetamine abuse (cotton mouth - meth mouth)
Alcohol based mouth rinses
Allergic reactions to restorative dentistry components

Severe Erosion - Saliva Chemistry Imbalance

Early Intervention

Enamel destruction is cumulative. Patients should not assume that early signs of enamel deterioration will be reversed with mere changes in habits or eating-drinking preferences.

Many dentists, like Dr. Scalzitti, can provide a variety of medications or treatments that increase saliva production, including Salanium, Sensodyne toothpaste products, Oasis (saliva substitute) and a wide variety of Biotene products... some of which contain salivary enzymes (Lactoperoxidase, Lactoferrin, Lysozyme) that boosts and replenishes saliva's own defenses.

MI Paste is also available which helps to aid the natural remineralization process. In-office and at-home treatment programs can be developed for many patients.

Successful Eroded Enamel Reconstruction

Enamel Rehabilitation

In situations where enamel deterioration is becoming more evident, enamel resurfacing or replacement can be achieved through a choice of lamination technologies (porcelain veneers) or entire tooth replacement via cemented crowns, porcelain jackets or implant supported crowns.

Representative Treatment Example

The last two pictures in our photo series represents a recent treatment of an actual enamel replacement and reconstruction need for a young adult patient. Combinations of porcelain crowns, veneer laminates and dental implants were used to recreate what Mother Nature once provided for this young male patient.

Questions?

Contact Dr. Scalzitti and her staff at (512) 263-3330 to arrange a consultation for determining what options are available for different degrees of xerostomia symptoms. Learn more about teeth and enamel replacement technologies that are now available.

Or, you can use our on-line Ask The Dentist form to send any specific questions related to the material on this page directly to Dr. Scalzitti. She will respond to you directly with the information you are seeking.

Central Texas Dental Cosmetic Reconstruction Spa
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Austin, TX 78738 - (512) 263-3330 - Lakeway, Texas
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